Unesco’s Mogens Schmidt (left), academic Somkiat Tangkit-wanich (centre) and Nation Group editor Thepchai Yong at a workshop on public television stations yesterday.

The workshop on consumer protection and experiences and lessons from public television stations was jointly held by Unesco, the National Health Foundation, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Dhipavadee said the Public Broadcasting bill was now being reviewed by the Council of State.

"The new station's name could be Thailand Public Broadcasting," she added.

"The review should be completed before the end of this month, after which the bill will go to the NLA for deliberation," she said.

Dhipavadee said the government was determined and sincere about establishing the public TV station.

She said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont had already ordered the establishment of a coordination committee between the government and the NLA to ensure the proposed legislation proceeded as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

Education Minister Wijit Srisa-arn chairs the committee.

Mogens Schmidt, Unesco deputy assistant director-

general for communication and information, expressed his support for the establishment of the public TV station.

He said the public TV station would allow all groups to access information and receive knowledge, thus reducing gaps in society and promoting sustainable development.

Somkiat Tangkijwanich, of the Thailand Development Research Institute, said public TV stations would be useful for the country's development and democracy.

"Such stations must be

free from any influence from politicians and investors," he said.

Somkiat said a "sin tax" could be used to pay for the operational costs of public TV stations.